Crime Stoppers Week of 05-21-07

The Portland Police Bureau, in cooperation with Crime Stoppers, is asking for your help in finding a homicide suspect.

On May 15, 2007, an arrest warrant charging 48-year-old David Wayne French with one count of Murder was issued for the suspect’s arrest in connection with the death of 51-year-old Frank Johnson. On May 4, 2007, at 9:40 pm, Portland Police Bureau Homicide Detectives were called to the 5700 block of North Kerby Avenue after Northeast Precinct officers found the body of Frank Johnson. Officers were originally sent to the apartment on a disturbance call after receiving information that someone may be in need of assistance. It was later determined that the victim died of blunt force trauma to the head.

During the subsequent investigation, detectives concluded that French jumped from the third story window of the victim’s apartment as officers were forcing open the front door to help the victim. Detectives do not know if French was injured when he jumped from the window. At the time of the victim’s death, he and French were roommates. Detectives have learned that the victim was attempting to change their living arrangement, which may have played a role in the homicide.

French is a transgender, and is approximately 5’6” tall, weighs 130 pounds, and has shoulder-length brown hair. He is also known to use the alias Zalia Crizta or the initial “Z”. Until recently, French maintained an internet business and has multiple connections in the western states.